The Castle

Chasing In the Dark

by Steli Simeonova

Have you ever loved something you couldn’t touch? Cause that’s how I felt when I visited my dream place - The Haunted Castle of Shattenburg, and I couldn’t experience it fully. Until a weird sensation started tingling on my neck and I realized I had a stalker. A stalker that was willing to hunt me through the dark all the way to my dreams, or straight into a nightmare. "The Castle" is a dark erotic short story, intended for mature audiences only. It is around 10k words and it takes less than an hour to be read. The story ends with a HFN. Please check CW before reading it.

Genres: Dark, Novella, BDSM, Erotica, Dark Romance, Halloween, Romance

Paperback

Published November 1, 2024

About the author

Steli Simeonova is a journalism student in the Netherlands. She loves books and art, and spends a lot of time creating both. Her favorite animals are cats (cause they are sassy just like her) and she has adopted more than a few in her life.

Other interests include watching Formula 1 and travelling, so right now, she's probably at some airport, with headphones in, listening to her music collection and enjoying some quiet time.

In her books you can find diverse pairs, LGBTQIA+ characters, and a variety of kinks (with primal being her favourite).

Reviews

[Tammi Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story!!!! So so spicy, all with the right amount of tease 🔥🔥🔥 and make sure to read all the way to the end! You don't want to miss the epilogue!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book extremely charming. It was an easy page turner and a great fast burn. The characters were easy to understand and the writing for the steamy parts was amazing. I would definitely recommend this to someone who’s looks for a steamy romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ash · Rating 3 out of 5]

The beginning starts off well enough with the fmc being addicted to fear and seeking it out at every opportunity. She hears of a scare castle in Germany and checks it out. It's a typical haunted house that quickly turned into something... more.
As with all the Simeonova books I've read so far, there is a bit of a twist at the end and a guaranteed hea.
I liked that the fmc was blind; I liked having different representation. My only issue was the edging went on for way too long and I honestly got bored.

I received an advance review copy for free and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ciara Hartman · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun spicy quick read! - Our FMC is a visually impaired woman who seeks thrills that will instill fear into her because that’s what gets her all hot n bothered. Lately she hasn’t been able to find anything that really scares her, so she books a trip to a haunted castle! She’s pleasantly surprised to find that the terrors within the walls aren’t as cliche as she expected. And there’s an extra bonus…. Enter our masked (phantom) MMC who works at the castle and is ready to give her a night to remember. - I thought this book was well written and a very interesting storyline, especially with the FMC being visually impaired! - Some content goodies or warnings, depending on who you are… hot wax; bondage; spit; collar & leash; foreign object insertion… just to mention a few things! (Oh, I was gonna do a 4 star rating, but the text messages in the epilogue brought it up to a 5 star for me!)

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Orielle is addicted to the adrenaline rush of fear and, despite losing her sight, she craves intense thrills that everyday life can't provide. Her search for the ultimate scare leads her to a haunted castle in Germany, known for its terrifying ambiance and skilled scare actors. At the castle, Orielle's fear is taken to new heights as she navigates a maze of frightening rooms. There, she meets Drew, a mysterious scare actor who quickly becomes fixated on her. Drew's pursuit turns Orielle's night of terror into a dangerously real experience, pushing the boundaries of her fear and arousal. Bound, humiliated, and aroused, Orielle finds herself drawn deeper into Drew's control as he subjects her to a series of intense challenges that will ultimately give her the dark release she craves. Ultra-hot and steamy dark erotic romance, exploring fear, connection, vulnerability and desire.

[S.B. (Beauty in Ruins) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Over the last 6 months, Steli Simeonova has quickly become one of my favorite people to work with. Her work has style, imagination, and a sense of otherworldliness to it that’s just stunning. I wanted to review The Cheater (spicy horror) as my Halloween pick, but that’s not coming out until February, so I thought I’d go with The Castle (dark erotica), since it’s something you can read today!

Not only is our narrator a visually impaired woman, which puts a whole new sensory spin on the story, but she gets aroused by fear, seeking out ever more exciting and extreme ways in which to test her fears – and stoke her arousal. Having already skydived and swam with sharks, she decides that the haunted castle of Shattenburg will be her next adventure.

If you’ve ever experienced a haunted house, then you know what it’s like to stumble around in the dark, hearing and feeling the scare actors around you, but imagine if your entire world was shadows . . . and the castle is rumored to be genuinely haunted . . . and you’re still being hunted even after the tour is over. It’s a story of creaks and squeaks, the slight movement of air, the feel of leather and lace, and hearts beating fast. And it all takes place in an old castle full of locked doors, narrow staircases, and ominously stark furniture.

Steli offers us two POVs here, so we get to experience the hunted and the hunter, allowing us to experience the combined sensations, and to appreciate their absence in the hunted. If you’ve ever read her work before, then you know you’ll be caught before long, and the dangerous thrill of anxious sex with a mystery lover. It’s all consensual, but also has the feel of something more dubious, and that sweetly dark spot is where the heart of the story lives.


https://sallybend.wordpress.com/2024/...

[thebeespot72 · Rating 5 out of 5]

RATING: 4.5/5

I’ve read several Steli Simenova books. I shouldn’t be surprised at anything that happens in her stories, especially if it’s only 137 pages. In “Castle,” even I was taken aback a few times. The FMC, who is blind, enjoys fear, and ever since she has lost her sight, achieving it has been challenging. She went to a haunted castle, and several “scenes” occurred that I found myself saying, “Ouch,” “woah,” “oh my,” and “yes, this is a Steli Simenova story.”

The story is packed with graphic details when the FMC and MMC are together. The dialogue is very descriptive, too. I enjoyed the short story. It did wrap up quickly at the end, though.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Teases darkness rather than IS dark

This is darkbait. It's good...but more erotic than dark. Cute with some light kink. I enjoyed reading it; it just wasn't what I expected.

Blurbs promising dark, edgy, dangerous storylines rarely deliver now. I just wish they'd be honest about what's inside.

I don't blame Steli Simeonova. She's not the only dark or kink author whose writing has gotten tamer. I assume this is due to increasing censorship in this genre.

So, it's fine. It was short and easy to read, but based on the tempting blurb and what it hinted, the actual story was a bit of a letdown. Again, not bad--just not what was promised.

There was no stalker in the castle itching to send her "straight into a nightmare."

The 'twist' at the end lessened the risk and tension. Obviously, she isn't going to be chainsawed in half in an EU-regulated German castle, but the blurb and descriptions made it seem like there was real danger, not kink "danger" that's carefully negotiated and planned.

[Bo-Maree Stuart · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Castle is my first Steli Simeonova book but is not going to be my last.

The FMC, Orielle, is blind and craves fear. She visits a haunted castle to try and find something that will scare her as she hasn't felt the rush she needs since losing her sight. It's in the last room of the castle she encounters Drew, the MMC.

The way the author describes the rooms in the castle as Orielle makes her way through them makes you feel like you are right there with her and gives a beautiful insight into how the vision impaired see and feel things.

The chemistry between Orielle and Drew is apparent from the moment they come together and Drew's depravity is the perfect remedy for Orielle's desires.

The Castle is a very well written, duel POV, dark stramy read that will hook you from the first page and keep you captivated til the unexpected end.

If you're after a quick, seductive romance read, The Castle is for you.

[Katie Morton · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a short spicy read about a curvy FMC who likes fear a bit too much but with no complaints from anyone. The thing that makes this story unique is the fact that she's also blind and I genuinely really liked her POV with one of the major senses missing. It's not something I've ever read before in terms of erotica yet it works well within the genre.
I do think the writing could be more refined and it felt like there were opportunitys missed in the spicy scenes to really amp up the other senses and really create an atmosphere between them due to the lack of sight.
I've given it three stars as an average score, more neutral than negative. However the whole idea for the story and characters would make for a really good book if there was time invested to flesh it out and make it longer.

[Katie Morton · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a short spicy read about a curvy FMC who likes fear a bit too much but with no complaints from anyone. The thing that makes this story unique is the fact that she's also blind and I genuinely really liked her POV with one of the major senses missing. It's not something I've ever read before in terms of erotica yet it works well within the genre.
I do think the writing could be more refined and it felt like there were opportunitys missed in the spicy scenes to really amp up the other senses and really create an atmosphere between them due to the lack of sight.
I've given it three stars as an average score, more neutral than negative. However the whole idea for the story and characters would make for a really good book if there was time invested to flesh it out and make it longer.

[Polli.p · Rating 4 out of 5]

The idea feels original, the story is easy enough to follow and understand.

Visually impaired Orielle seeks hardcore fear and pleasure thrills via a visit to a famous haunted castle. When there Drew, a castle actor, stalks her providing the fear and pleasure she needs.

This is an interesting short story, but I felt the ending was a bit abrupt. The idea of being visually impaired and stalked adds to the tension. The author goes out of her way to describe Orielle's ability to understand things through her sense of touch and smell which helps the reader feel Orielle's predicament.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Trixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a lover of fear, masked men, domination/submission, Halloween, heightened senses and just plan old debauchery....... YOU need this book!
It may be a quick read but by the time I was done, I needed a cold shower, dry panties, new batteries and I am counting the days for all of the local haunts to open! I used to work in a local haunt and boy did this bring back some memories! If you like dark smut/ romance.....this is a must read and Steli Simeonova is quickly becoming a one click author for me!!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kobilee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome, I absolutely loved it. I don't normally read short stories. I always feel like they are missing something or seriously rushed in certain spot's. This book had everything
A great storyline, plenty of spice & the spice was on point(detailed without becoming boring), a little romance. Both Characters were normal & relatable
Was Darkish, definitely had the potential for it.
Loved that I only came across one typo. That is almost unheard of these days.
My only issue is that it was short, which I knew going in so that really is a me problem. But I can't help but want more.
This is my 1st read by Steli & won't be my last. Im off to find the others in this series

[Petrascu · Rating 5 out of 5]

“ A new sensation, another kind of tingling, and I knew immediately that we had gone on to the next level. The real challenge had just started.”

Excerpt From
The Castle
Steli Simeonova
This material may be protected by copyright
So… OMG 🥵💯🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I’m out of words about this novella. At the beginnings I really thought that Drew was a phantom (imagine that) . Ori being blind intensified all the sensations and it was like I lived tour of the castle trough her! Drew is magnificent 💯( like a perfect Dom should be) . Thank you for the epilogue with the chats between them 💙🩷💜🩵 you are a rockstar Steli🌟.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Douglas Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our heroine thinks she knows what she is getting into, but will reality be a bit too much? Only one way to find out.

This is book six of the series, but it works fine as a standalone.

This is a short erotic story with a bit of a dark vibe to it. The story is well written and easy to read with a simple but effective cast of characters. The story is more steam than plot, but that is okay here. There are several kinks here that combine to make things a lot of fun. Overall, I rather enjoyed this quick read and look forward to seeing more from this author.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tequila Oliver · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I enjoyed the beginning of this book, it started to drag on a little more than I thought was needed. This book was a quick read. It took me a little longer due to life but most could finish this in a day or less. It was hot and steamy, with lots of spice. The story line was not really a story line but again, it’s a very short book so there isn’t time for much story building. I enjoyed how the ending was wrapped up and how it’s all came together.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Orielle is partially blind and craves fear to feel, she visits a castle wishing to feel more, it's not until she senses a stalker does her visit heat up more than any could imagine! And Drews the one to bring her every colour of fear she desires! Well written steamy hot quick read with a twisting ending classic of Steli style!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sauieh Noushin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!! Not what I was expecting at all. This book took me on a wild ride. Orielle is blind and the things she experiences with Drew, is mind blowing. It was like I was the one experiencing everything. Drew is one hot and depraved man and Orielle is one twisted lady. They fit perfectly!! The whole stockade scene was OUT OF THIS WORLD!! I absolutely love a man who uses his tongue to clean up his mess afterwards!!! I hope we see more of them in the future. A must read.

[A. Poole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok I loved this. I am huge fan of this writer so I was excited. This was perfection to me. I loved the stranger aspect between Drew and Orielle. I loved the ending and the twist. They had great chemistry. I felt like I was in the castle with them. I just loved this. She says it’s a HFN but it’s a HEA. It was just perfection.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely check the content warnings before diving in - dom/sub, masked men, primal play, bondage, humiliation, etc.

Orielle - the FMC who is also blind - goes in search of a thrill she hasn't experienced since before she lost her sight. This leads her to visit a haunted castle. In the last room of the castle that she goes to explore, this is where she comes across Drew - the MMC. From their first meeting, they are drawn to each other, and from here Drew pushes Orielle's boundaries. Giving her the dark desires she craves.

[La'Jacinth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Steli!!! Her books are not too detailed but detailed enough to help ypu set up the scene but also the backstory.

This one was a very different because the FMC was differently abled and the MMC was not only older (not by much) but just happened to be exactly what she wanted.

So looking forward to a follow up!!!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tiffany Hansell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wooweee are you hot? I think a fan needs to be turned on because woow.

This amazing novella by Steli Simeonova is a quick read but it sure packs a punch.

The dedication "to all the girls out there with a fear kink" this alone tucked me in.

I like to live very vacarisclly through what I read and woo this book gave my alter ego some new interests ahaha

You know you want to add this to your TBR, what are you waiting for

[Johnna Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The castle is a blend of mixing your fears with a lot of spice. When a blind woman wants to feel the thrill of her fear, she takes a trip filled with voyeurism, collars, and much much more.

I fell into this book not sure where it would lead me. Just like the FMC when she was lead by MMC. I loved delving into her fears and reading how she used those to spice up her life.

[T.Wils.2019 · Rating 5 out of 5]

They way Steli goes into how someone who has vision impaired sees and feels things is beautiful. I enjoyed walking through the castle with her except the one room i was ready to move past it as it even gave me the creeps.

Ending wasnt something i was expecting but i dont want to give to much away so thats all im giving.

Have fun in a hunted house with a sexy phantom.

["They Did What?" · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drew works at the castle and Orielle is visiting it for a vacation and the story shows both pov’s which helps us to better understand the dynamic between characters. It has specific kinks that are played out in the story with solid detail and character reactions. This is a quick, dark read that captures your attention from the first page to the last.

[Samantha Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oli is a blind girl who gets off on fear. The problem? Nothing scared her anymore. She hears about a haunted castle attraction in Germany and immediately books it, knowing this is exactly what she needs. During her tour, the Phantom starts stalking her, and it becomes a game of cat and mouse. This is a short story and worth the read of you like spice.

[amanda logue · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️- 4 🌶️- 5

I mean how do I sign up to go to this castle…

Ori is a blind woman who ‘enjoys’ fear. She decides to go to a hunted castle and get the ‘special’ treatment.

This story is full fears, k!nks and so much 🌶️🌶️🌶️…

I loved it! It is definitely a story I’ll read again when I want something spicy and quick.

[Stacy Marlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book from this author and I wasn't sure I would like this short story, but once I started to read it, I could not put it down! I was constantly in suspense wondering what was gonna happen next. I loved this book and really can't wait to read the second part to it, or the next one like it!!! Thanks for a great read!

[Natalia Ferreira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page turner. Super fast paced short thriller erotic story. If you like smut with plot this is for you. Every tough it was short it still has a story to follow. It ends with a happy for now. For someone like myself that doesn’t have much time for large books this was perfect for me.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.